A Tale of Two Players

Chapter 4

"Calum, we've already discussed this. I'm tired of your philandering behavior. You must demonstrate your ability to manage a multimillion-dollar firm on your own if you want me and your grandfather to take you seriously and give you our shares. Soon you'll turn 30. The time has arrived and is now passing for you to calm down. My father scolds me as he bites into his fillet mignon steak, "I let you have your fun and sow your wild oats so that you'll get it out of your system before you settle down and the time has come." "Hollie is a member of a devout family who has been our closest friend for countless generations. She's a stunning young lady who appreciates architecture just as much as you do. What more could you possibly want in a spouse? He continues, raising his green eyes to meet mine.

I fist-clench and un-fist-clench under the table. Every minute, I feel my annoyance increasing. "Well, for starters, I would like to find my future bride attractive. Dad, I also want to wed someone I adore. I'm not interested in Hollie at all. She's not my type, and the only things we have in common are our professions. I don't even love that person, so why would you want me to marry them? He puts his fork down and wipes his mouth before responding to my question.

"Son, love doesn't appear out of nowhere. It takes work, but as you get to know the other person, it develops. You had a crush on Amanda, and look where that got you. You're devastated that she departed. "You haven't been the same since she broke your heart," makes me feel sick to my stomach. I don't want to witness your suffering once more. Do you believe that when your mother and I got married, we were in love? No, we weren't, but we developed a love that made me realize that I couldn't fathom spending the rest of my life with anyone else. He says this while looking at my mother, who accepts his hand when he extends it to her and gives him a tender smile.

I sincerely say to him, "Dad, I've known Hollie since we were kids, and I don't see myself loving her...ever," but he shakes his head and holds out his hands.

"That's it, Calum. I've made my point. You must wed Hollie as scheduled if you want our shares, and that decision is definitive. The plans are set in motion, he says, returning to his meal. I turn to face my mother, who gives me an apology smile while shrugging. This is absurd. When Grandpop was given less than a year to live after being diagnosed with motor neuron illness, this marriage disaster began. Identify his last wish, would you? to witness his favorite and firstborn grandson get married before he passes away. His shares won't pass to me until I get married, and if I don't, they will go to my foolish cousin Harry, who will quickly run the business I've spent years developing into oblivion. I often wish I had a sibling in similar situations. My father wants to retire early, but until I'm married and settled down, he won't give me complete control of Cult Designs.

I mutter, "Excuse me," and then I put my napkin on the table before getting up.

My mother turns to face me and says, "Honey, you haven't touched your food." I groan and drowsily stroke the back of my neck.

"I'm not hungry," I reply to her. 'I'm taking o,' she said. I have a ton of work to do before tomorrow's presentation.

The following day, Holly and her dad are coming over for supper. I forward to seeing you here. As I leave the dining room, my father says, "We'll talk about the specifics of your engagement. Without even glancing at them, I wave them off and leave the house.

I feel as if I'm su icing. I get into my Audi R8 and accelerate out of the driveway. With this marital bullshit, they have me in a corner, and I can't seem to get out of it. I've been battling them for days now. I don't want to be forced into marrying someone I don't even like or find even fascinating. Yes, she is a lovely young lady. She is intelligent and successful. I wouldn't marry a girl like her, but any other guy would give their right leg to do so. I am not for her. I am not the kind of person who cheats, therefore I know it will be difficult for me to be faithful if I am made to marry her.

After an hour of aimless traveling, I arrive at my best friend Josh's home. I'm currently curled up on his sofa, downing my fifth beer bottle, and wistfully gazing up at his plain white ceiling.

How am I going to escape this, the f**k?”

Josh sighs and takes a sip of his beer while reclining on the couch. "You're not, though. You'll have to wed my brother, Hollie. We are both aware of your dad's stubbornness. He won't let this slide.

I nod and close my eyes. Josh was accurate; my Dad won't let this slide. especially if it means losing the business to his brother-in-law's son that he has fought so hard to develop. Oh, dear. When I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket, I scowl and beg you to tell me there is a better solution—anything but this. I take it out, and inside is a message from Vivian. I read the message after I open it.

Vivian:

I'll be running behind schedule for the meeting tomorrow morning. My car's tires were stolen, all four of them, by some moron.

Despite being in a foul mood, I sit up, grimace, and chuckle. The world's worst luck belongs to this girl. I reply to her by text.

Me:

‘Ouch. That makes me sad to hear. I can send someone to replace the tires for you in less than an hour.

After sending the text, I immediately receive a response. I check my email.

Vivian:

No. That's alright. I will fix it. Tomorrow I can get someone to fit new ones. Just let your attorney know that I'll be a little tardy.

I grin while shaking my head. She is so obstinate that it irritates me.

Me:

'On my way, I'll pick you up. After that, we can both go to the one.

I put my phone aside and turn to face Josh, who was grinning as he observed me. “What?" I inquire cagily as I savor my beer.

"Your mood just took a sharp turn. You're texting who? He asks, and when my phone vibrates, he swipes it off the table. “Vivian? I try to take my phone from him, but he pulls it out of my grasp. I agree and take his phone from him when he asks, "Is that the hottie from the club you left with?"

I read her text, "Yes, that's her," and then I sigh. Naturally, she is declining. I promptly reply to her text and inform her that I will pick her up at nine and that I won't accept a no.

"Why are you accompanying her to the lawyers? Josh asks, arching a brow at me with interest. I was preoccupied throughout my text-related argument with Vivian.

I shrug drowsily, "Uh, to sign some papers for a divorce," and he kicks my knee. I glare at him.

“Divorce? He sits up straight and gives me a bewildered look, and I realize I accidentally revealed our secret. When did you marry her to obtain a divorce?!”

He waits with wide eyes for me to continue narrating as I pause, "When we flew to Vegas..." I sigh, "You are entirely to blame. You had me leave the house and got me thoroughly inebriated. We continued to drink after leaving the club, and eventually boarded my private aircraft to fly to Vegas for our wedding.

Holy cow, you got hitched? like being legally wed? Josh ponders rising to his feet. When I nod, he leans back and laughs.

Indeed, Josh. I'm formally wed. She then shows up at my office as my new executive assistant, as if that weren't horrible enough already. I was in Paris when my Dad hired her. Tell me, what are the chances of that, please? Josh shakes his head and covers his mouth with his hand.

“Odds? I observe Josh as he goes about the room. "Bro, this girl is either one psychotic stalker and planned this, or fate's just dropped a motherload of an opportunity in your lap."

Josh, she had no idea who I was. When she realized I was her supervisor, she immediately sought to leave. I clarify, running my fingers through my hair, "She's not a stalker, and she most definitely didn't plan any of this.

Navas, are you a complete moron, bro? I scowl furiously at him. "Do you not realize that God has heard all of your prayers? I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees, and declare, "This whole Hollie mess is sorted.

"How so?”

You are wed, you moron! He exclaims, raising his hands in the air. If you're already married, you can't marry Hollie. Introduce Vivian to your grandfather as your wife, and the issue will be resolved.

Oh. Why hadn't I considered this? I am wedded.

I scowl. "You mean, we continue to be wed? Josh nods and his blue eyes get bigger. She refused to concur. Why would she choose to remain wed?”

Josh flings a cushion at me and says, "That's why, Calum Navas Hoult. He makes fun of me and says, "You're the most sought-after bachelor in the country—after me, of course.

I roll my eyes in frustration. Josh grabs the cushion and leans his elbow on it, grinning, "f**k you, arsehole." She is unconcerned with any of that. She's unlike the others; my success and wealth had no impact on her at all.

"Nice girl. If you just tell her the truth, you might be able to win her sympathy and gain her cooperation. If it doesn't work, offer her a payout of a couple of million, such as a beard service.

I breathe deeply and wipe my hands over my face. "That sounds pretty sexist,"

Would you prefer to wed Hollie? I shrug and lean back against the couch.

I scream, glancing at the beer bottle in my fingers and saying, "f**k no." Vivian is at least enjoyable to be around. I would much prefer to remain wed to her.

He says, taking a sip of his beer, "Just ask her." "Worse case, she won't agree."

"Oh, she'll defiantly reject you. She's fiery and as stubborn as hell," I murmur, thoughtfully touching the bottle's neck. It won't harm to inquire. Perhaps, as Josh suggested, she will feel bad for me and assist me. Could I possibly give her a raise? And I would choose Vivian over Hollie as my wife. She is at least entertaining to be around. She makes me laugh all day long.

Fierce, huh?"Josh says, his curious brows furrowed. "How's the s*x?”

As I recall our intense night together, I bit my lower lip. "Oh, definitely," I mutter.

I breathe a sigh of relief. I was carrying a lot of weight in this marriage arrangement that I wasn't even aware of.

I depart Josh's home and go back to mine. The following day would be a huge day for me, so I wanted to get my act together before the presentation.

I waited for Vivian outside of her apartment complex THE NEXT MORNING. She still hasn't arrived after fifteen minutes of waiting. Women. Why it takes a year for them to prepare for everything is a mystery to me. I angrily beep my horn as she opens the door and moves toward the car. As she gets closer to me, I let my gaze drift over. She is hugged in all the right places by her red satin blouse and tight, black pencil skirt. Like the night we met, her dark hair cascaded down her back in beach waves.

Jesus, leave your hair in place. She complains as she boards the vehicle, "You'll wake the neighbors." I'm not proud of this, but as soon as she sits, her skirt flies up to her mid-thigh, and I find myself admiring her slender legs. I suddenly remember our night in Vegas, with those legs encircling me as she drew me closer to her.

“Navas.”

I gaze at her through my sunglasses after blinking to clear my head. “Yes?”

Are we going somewhere, or are we simply going to sit here? she asks, frowning at me. You were simply hurrying me earlier, right?”

I get in the car and say, "Yes, we're going." "How's it going? Did you manage to get your tires in order?”

Vivian glances at me and says, "Yes. Later this evening, someone will come to install new ones, she says, and I nod in agreement. "I appreciate your offering to assist. I had a negative attitude. She turns to me and apologizes, saying, "I hope I didn't come out disrespectful.

I apologize and she waves, "Not at all. Sincerely, if someone had stolen all of my car's tires, I would have been furious as well. Did you file a report? Vivian gives a headshake. Why not? I scowl.”

What's the point? she asks, sighing and gazing out the window. It's not exactly the year's worst crime, is it? I smile, shaking my head. "It's annoying, yes, but I think the police have much bigger cases that need their attention than my stolen tires."

"That's one perspective," she said.

Vivian sighs and moves her hair out of the way of her attractive face.

"Right now, nothing seems to be going my way. It's genuinely strange.

I give her a quick smile before returning my attention to the road. I've been there, I know. Vivian glances at me before saying, "You should always try to stay positive because you never know when your luck can change. It "might be sooner than you think."

She says, her voice an octave above a whisper, "I doubt that." We spent the remaining 25 minutes of the drive to the lawyer's office discussing my work schedule.

"Your 2:30 meeting was delayed by fifteen minutes. I nod as we enter the office, and Franc—our lawyer—welcomes us. "Mr. Cohen's flight got delayed from Belgium; his driver dropped me an email earlier."

Vivian's response when Franc addressed her by her married name was, "Morning, Mr. Hoult, Mrs. Hoult," I watch as she speaks. She gives him a warm smile, takes his hand, and sits down at the table. "All right, Mr. Hoult, I have created the divorce documents. Vivian nods, takes up her pen, and signs the documents. All I need are your signatures for it to be processed. I grab the pen as she extends it to me and ponder the paperwork in front of me.

“Navas? I turn my head to look at Vivian. "Signature the papers."

"Franc, will you kindly give us a moment? Vivian looks at me once more after watching him get up and exit the room.

What is the issue?" She asks, keeping a wary eye on me.

“Vivian. I've got a suggestion for you.

Her scowl intensifies, "A proposition?”

I pause before softly nodding and saying, "Yes, a proposition."

“Okay…”

What if we decide not to get divorced? I suggest, and she gives me a blank look before laughing out of nowhere.

"That's funny, Navas. Her smile steadily dwindles when I refuse to sign the documents, "Stop messing around and sign the papers so we can get out of here." "You're not—hold on, are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Very? Navas? We consented to a divorce. What are you referring to? She shouts as she gets out of her chair.

I groan and put down the pen as I watch her glare at me with a dagger. "I'm only suggesting we stay married for a little while longer," she says.

Vivian stops walking and says fiercely, "And I'm suggesting we get a divorce—right now." she then turns her head to face me.

"Vivian, just give me a moment of your time. I explain that I'm in an impossible circumstance and I need your assistance, and she softens her look a little. I sigh and get to my feet, saying, "My Dad, he's forcing me to marry someone I don't love in exchange for his and my grandfather's shares in the company." "My grandfather is suffering from a terminal illness and is near the end of his life. Before he passes away, he wants to witness his firstborn grandson getting married. If I don't, he'll transfer his shares to my violent cousin Harry, who will ruin all I've worked so hard to accomplish at the business.

Shaking her head, Vivian. "Navas, are you insane now?

You mention telling your family lies. a dying guy. Not.

I am unable to wed Hollie. She's just not the kind of woman I can envision getting married to. I explain that she's not for me, and she shrugs indifferently.

"How does that differ from what we did? We also don't exactly get along. Just grab your shares, marry her, and then get rid of her," I groan and shake my head in frustration.

Vivi, you don't understand. I've been the subject of this girl's obsession since we were eleven years old. Do you believe she will divorce me after waiting so long to commit to me? No chance at all,"

Listen to what you're asking of me, Navis. You want me to continue being your wife while you cheat and lie. She says, pacing once more, "I don't even know you. I seize her arm and pull her in my direction.

I abruptly say, "I'll pay you."

If looks could kill, I would be dead and buried right about now, as Vivian's green eyes widen. You'll say what? She says, her tone of irritation clear. "You're seriously mistaken if you believe that just because we had a s****l encounter, I now owe you something. She hisses angrily, ripping her arm free from my grasp, and says, "f**k you and your job, you arrogant swine.

“No! Vivian, it's not like that, Jesus. Consider it a contractual agreement. Money is no object; name your price. Vivian moves back with an indignant expression on her face. Her eyes briefly show signs of hurt before turning enraged once more.

What in the world do you think you are?! Mr. Hoult, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not for sale. She tries to dodge me, but I stop her. "Your money seems to get you a lot, but not me." She spits angrily, "Get out of my way."

"Jesus, Vivian, just pay attention to me. I explain and sigh dejectedly, "I'm not trying to purchase you, and the last thing I'd ever want to do is offend you. If I weren't in need, I wouldn't ask. I beg her, "You're my only chance out of this forced marriage," and she licks her lips and runs her fingers through her hair while remaining furious. "I recognize your financial need. She spins and glares at me, "It came up in your background check. You have unpaid student loan debt. You can make those payments and complete your degree. Let me assist you.

I don't need your assistance! She grabs her blazer and pocketbook and says, "Go pick one of the million girls out there who would marry you without a second thought.

Vivian rolls her eyes and tries to push me to leave, but I stop her. "I don't want them." She slowly lifts her sight to meet mine, saying, "I trust you."

“Calum?"When I hear my name, we both jump apart. As I turn around, my father is standing there. f**k.

“Dad?”

"What's happening here? He asks, casting a doubtful glance at Vivian and me. "Why all the shouting, man? Vivian adjusts her skirt while glancing at me. What are you two doing in this place? I don't know what struck me as I turn to face Vivian, but I wrap my arm around her waist and bring her close to me.

"Dad, I want you to formally meet my wife, Vivian," I said.